Nigerians Stranded as U.S. Embassy Quietly Revokes Valid Visas

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has quietly begun revoking visas that were previously issued to Nigerian citizens, a development that has disrupted travel plans for professionals, entrepreneurs, frequent travelers, and families.

Several affected individuals reported receiving letters from the embassy directing them to submit their passports at either the Abuja or Lagos consulate. Upon submission, their visas were stamped as canceled, with the embassy citing Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122. The notice claimed that “new information became available after the visa was issued,” but did not provide specific details or any opportunity to appeal.

In some cases, travelers only discovered the cancellation when they attempted to board flights to the U.S., leading to humiliating detentions at departure points and costly disruptions.

Among those affected are senior professionals, business leaders, and families with long-standing U.S. travel histories. A journalist, a government agency head, and a well-known entrepreneur were reportedly among those stranded after their visas were revoked. Many have suffered heavy financial losses from canceled tickets, missed business opportunities, and disrupted family plans.

The revocations come just weeks after the U.S. government introduced sweeping changes to its visa policy for Nigerians. Since July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant visas have been restricted to single-entry permits valid for only three months, replacing the previous system that allowed multiple entries over periods of up to five years.

The U.S. has described the change as part of a global security review, but Nigerian lawmakers and stakeholders argue that the new rules unfairly target Nigerians and strain bilateral ties.

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has condemned both the visa restrictions and the wave of revocations, urging U.S. authorities to reconsider. Lawmakers have warned that the measures could harm trade, education, tourism, and diaspora relations between the two countries.

The quiet revocation of visas has sparked anxiety among Nigerians, many of whom fear that valid travel documents can now be invalidated without explanation. Analysts warn that this lack of transparency may deepen mistrust in U.S.–Nigeria diplomatic relations, unless clarified by Washington.